I have spoken to a lot of people over the past couple of months about Detroit and its bankruptcy. Regardless of their political affiliation or personal background, every one of us has had a similar vision: one in which Detroit emerges stronger in a way that leads to a stronger Michigan.

Some people want to focus on pointing fingers, but that is not productive. We all must do all we can to restore Detroit from her broken past while protecting the future of every taxpayer in Michigan.

A cash bailout of the city with a business-as-usual attitude would not achieve meaningful results. But neither would turning our backs on the state’s largest city. If Detroit falls, it will drag Michigan's recovery down with it and potentially burden taxpayers with $3.5 billion in pension liability.

We also should ensure that any resolution of this bankruptcy holds accountable all who were a party to making irresponsible decisions and promises that could never possibly be kept. This includes the city leaders and the union leaders who should now step up and protect the employees and retirees whom they previously set up with false assurances.

Beyond that, we also will be seeking a different management structure for the pension funds, with new reforms and oversight put in place.

In addition, the Detroit Institute of Art may be asked to contribute to this proposal, and the amounts that have been reported by the media are not unreasonable or unrealistic. The DIA should put in place a new board structure and broaden its reach to the entire state to ensure its continued success, as well.

We must look at how we can work together to move Detroit out of bankruptcy as quickly as possible. This is the right thing to do in order to serve the Michigan citizens who live in Detroit, the pensioners who devoted their hard work to the people, and the taxpayers throughout the rest of the state who deserve to be protected.

An investment in the future is not a bailout of the past. With its many conditions, an investment in Detroit will help provide a secure and successful future.

I am dedicated to rebuilding Detroit’s future for its residents, its pensioners, and our state. I want the world to see 2014 as the year Detroit emerges from bankruptcy and embarks on a new path. I also want the hardworking taxpayers across Michigan to know that their interests will be protected as we find an acceptable, accountable and effective resolution to this bankruptcy.